Speaker apparatus

ABSTRACT

A speaker comprising: a case; a display configured to display an image; at least one vibrating element configured to actuate the display to move the display relative to the case to generate acoustic waves; a gasket interfacing the case and the display; and a transceiver located within a speaker internal volume.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application was originally filed as Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/FI2014/050006 filed Jan. 7, 2014 which claimspriority benefit to Great Britain Patent Application No. 1300229.0,filed Jan. 7, 2013.

FIELD

The present invention relates to speaker apparatus. The inventionfurther relates to, but is not limited to, speaker apparatus for use inmobile devices.

BACKGROUND

Many portable devices, for example mobile telephones, are equipped witha display such as a glass or plastic display window for providinginformation to the user. Furthermore such display windows are nowcommonly used as touch sensitive inputs. In some cases the apparatus canprovide a visual feedback and audible feedback when recording a touchinput. In some further devices the audible feedback is augmented with avibrating motor used to provide a haptic feedback so the user knows thatthe device has accepted the input.

Furthermore such devices typically also use electro-acoustic transducersto produce audio for earpiece and integrated hands free (IHF) operationsas well as for alert tones. The moving coil dynamic speakerconfiguration used is typically relatively large in relation to thevolume within the device and require specific signal processingconsiderations in order that the acoustic frequency response isacceptable. Furthermore moving coil transducers can attract contaminantssuch as small iron particles from within the internal volume of thedevice and also through ports provided to enable acoustic wavetransmission from the speaker to the external environment. Thesecontaminants can cause distortion and faults within the speakerssignificantly reducing the lifetime of the device.

STATEMENT

According to an aspect, there is provided a speaker comprising: a case;a display configured to display an image; at least one vibrating elementconfigured to actuate the display to move the display relative to thecase to generate acoustic waves; a gasket interfacing the case and thedisplay; and a transceiver located within a speaker internal volume.

The case may be a unibody case. Alternatively the case may comprisemultiple parts, for example a side surface plus a battery cover.

The at least one vibrating element may comprise at least onepiezo-electric transducer.

The gasket may comprise a suspension part coupled at one end to case andat another end to the display, wherein the suspension part is configuredto suspend the display relative to the case by the bending force of thesuspension part, such that the display assembly is configured to moverelative to the case.

The suspension part may be a resilient folded surface, configured tosuspend the display relative to the case by the bending force of theresilient folded surface.

The gasket may comprise a first support part configured to lock thegasket position within the speaker so as to provide a fixed suspensionin the direction of movement of the display.

The gasket may comprise a second support part configured to form a framewhich is coupled to the display so as to couple the display to thesuspension part of the gasket.

The display may comprise a support ring configured to support thedisplay and coupled to the gasket.

The display may comprise a display frame substantially surrounding thedisplay and coupled to the at least one vibrating element.

The display frame may comprise at least one stop enabling the display tomove in at least one axis and configured to mechanically limit themotion of the display in the at least one axis.

The speaker may further comprise at least one further internalcomponent, wherein the at least one further component comprises: aninternal chassis; at least one camera; at least one microphone; at leastone data socket; at least one power socket; a printed wiring board; aprinted circuit board; a SIM assembly; an input key or button; a cameraflash; a battery; and a battery frame.

The speaker may further comprise at least one port wherein the speakerinternal volume is ported to the exterior of the speaker by the at leastone port.

The at least one port may comprise: a breathing hole; a AV jack hole; aUSB hole; a power port configured to receive a power plug; and a dataport configured to receive a data plug.

The speaker internal volume may be divided into chambers by at least oneinternal component such to provide a tuned response for the speaker.

The tuned response may be a tuned frequency response.

The at least one vibrating element may be configured to actuate thedisplay to move the display relative to the case to generate localisedtactile effects on the display.

The localised tactile effects may comprise a haptic feedback.

The transceiver may be at least one of: a radio frequency transmitter; aradio frequency receiver; a cellular engine.

The speaker internal volume may be formed based on at least internalsurfaces of the case, the display and the gasket.

The display may comprise at least one of: a display component; and adisplay window.

The at least one vibrating element may be configured to actuate thedisplay by at least one of: a direct coupling between the vibratingelement and the display; and an indirect coupling between the vibratingelement and the display.

The speaker internal volume may be based on the internal dimensions ofthe case, display and the gasket.

The gasket may be configured to provide a tuned performance for at leastone of: an acoustic output and a haptic feedback.

The tuned performance may be based on at least one of: a shape of thegasket; a material of the gasket; and dimensions of the gasket.

The gasket may substantially surround the periphery of the display.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a speaker comprising:casing means; means for displaying an image; means for actuating themeans for displaying an image relative to the casing means to generateacoustic waves; means for interfacing the casing means and means fordisplaying an image; and means for transmitting or receiving a radiofrequency signal located within a speaker internal volume.

The casing means may be a unibody case.

The means for actuating may comprise at least one piezo-electrictransducer.

The means for interfacing may comprise suspension means coupled at oneend to the casing means and at another end to the means for displayingan image, wherein the suspension means are configured to suspend themeans for displaying an image relative to the casing means by thebending force of the suspension means, such that the means fordisplaying an image is configured to move relative to the casing means.

The suspension means may be a resilient folded surface, configured tosuspend the means for displaying an image relative to the casing meansby the bending force of the resilient folded surface.

The means for actuating may be configured to move the means fordisplaying an image relative to the casing means to generate localisedtactile effects on the means for displaying an image.

An electronic device may comprise a speaker as described herein.

SUMMARY OF FIGURES

For better understanding of the present invention, reference will now bemade by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 to 4 show schematically three dimensional views of examplespeaker apparatus according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 5 to 8 show schematically cross sectional views of example speakerapparatus according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of an example speaker assembly accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows schematically a three dimensional view of an exampledisplay frame for an example speaker assembly according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show schematically cross sectional details of theexample display frame for the speaker assembly example according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 13 and 14 show schematically snap fit features for the speakerassembly example according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 15 and 16 show schematically details of the example display framefor the speaker assembly example according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 17 to 20 show schematically cross sectional details of the examplespeaker according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 21 and 22 show graphical measurements of the performance of theexample speaker according to some embodiments;

FIG. 23 shows schematically an isometric view of example speakerapparatus according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are sectional views of the apparatus of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 shows a variety of display types according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 27 to 29 show a spring-clip arrangement for connecting certaincomponents according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 30 schematically shows some hardware features of an example userequipment according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The application describes apparatus and methods of construction forspeaker apparatus or module comprising a unibody or substantiallyunibody forms of casing, a display, a flexible gasket connecting,coupling or interfacing the unibody casing and the display, a vibrationelement located within an internal volume defined by the unibody,display and gasket wherein the vibration element actuates the displaycausing the display to move relative to the unibody, and a transceiveror receiver (for example a cellular engine) also located within theinternal volume. It would be understood that in some embodiments thevibration element can operate on the display directly or a componentcoupled or connected to the display such that the vibration elementactuates or moves the display. In other words the actuation can be adirect actuation or an indirect actuation.

It would be understood that in some embodiments as described herein thevibration element can comprise at least one piezo-electric transducerconfigured to move/actuate the display relative to the casing.

The actuation can be configured therefore to generate acoustic wavesand/or in some embodiments tactile or haptic effects.

Furthermore the internal cavity is as described herein defined by theinternal surfaces or dimensions of the unibody case, the display, thegasket between the case and display and furthermore any internalcomponents such as the vibration element, transceiver (cellular engine,receiver etc).

In some embodiments as described herein in order to break the internalair stiffness when the display actuates by the vibration element(s) thecasing can comprise an acoustic port, which in some embodiments is anoutlet used for a different operation (for example an audio socket, USBsocket or other port) or a specific acoustic port or outlet configuredto acoustically port the internal cavity.

In some embodiments as described herein the internal cavity can bedivided or sub-divided into sections. For example the air cavity‘underneath’ the vibration element (and/or above the PWB) isacoustically designed wherein such cavity can be ported out and suchcavity can be substantially sealed.

It would be understood that in some embodiments the speaker can comprisewithin the internal cavity other components/parts, for example a camera,microphone(s) as well as a printed circuit board (PCB), printed wiringboard (PWB), internal support chassis.

The gasket, the unibody casing and the display are visible to the user.The unibody can in some embodiments as described herein comprise otherports or outlets for other interfaces for components within the speakersuch as AV jack or socket port, micro USB port, microphone port.

The colour (and/or shape) of the gasket can be adjusted for visualappearance. Furthermore in some embodiments the gasket can be adjustedto tune the acoustic performance or even haptic feedback performance.The characteristics (including the dimensions and materialsspecifications) of the gasket thus play a role for the acousticperformance of the speaker. In further example embodiments a moreflexible (softer) gasket material can provide higher sound pressurelevel (or an increased acoustic output) compared to harder (lessflexible) suspension. It is understood that in example embodiments thegasket is an elastomer (or rubber or flexible material) wherein thematerial specifications is chosen for the optimum acoustic performance.

It is understood that the combination (or interconnection orinteraction) of the unibody, the gasket, the display and the vibrationelement therefore defines or forms the speaker functionality.

With respect to FIG. 1 an orthogonal three-dimensional perspective viewof an example speaker apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments ofthe application is shown.

The speaker apparatus can in some embodiments be also used as a mobileterminal, a mobile phone, tablet or user equipment for operation in awireless communication system. In other embodiments, the speakerapparatus may comprise any suitable electronic device (which may beportable) configured to provide an acoustic output, such as for examplea digital camera, a portable audio player (mp3 player), a portable videoplayer (mp4 player), a television etc. The speaker apparatus, whetherportable or not, may comprise cellular or non-cellular circuitry.Non-cellular devices may comprise, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetoothconnectivity.

In other embodiments the speaker apparatus can be any suitableelectronic device with touch interface (which may or may not displayinformation) such as a touch-screen or touch-pad configured to providefeedback when the touch-screen or touch-pad is touched. For example insome embodiments the touch-pad can be a touch-sensitive keypad which canin some embodiments have no markings on it and in other embodiments havephysical markings or designations on the front window. The user can insuch embodiments be notified of where to touch by a physicalidentifier—such as a raised profile, or a printed layer which can beilluminated by a light guide.

The apparatus comprises a cover or body 101 (or means for covering)which in this example is a unibody type cover, in other words formedsubstantially from a single piece of material which is moulded ormachined into the desired form. The cover 101 as shown in FIG. 2 is ofthe form of a rounded elongated cuboid where the length (y-dimension) ofthe form is greater than the height (x-dimension) which in turn isgreater than the depth (z-dimension). The vertices of the cover areshown to be rounded. The shape or form of the casing as show in FIG. 2and otherwise are examples only and that the cover can be any suitableshape. In some embodiments a unibody like structure can be created bylaser gluing, heatstaking or suitably merging by other techniques atleast two parts of a casing such that the casing appears to be a singlepart.

The cover 101 shown in FIG. 1 has a single hole in the front face of thecover 101 suitable for receiving the display assembly and the gasket orsuspension. The gasket thus in some embodiments provides a functionalityof suspension which may be considered to be similar to a surroundstructure of a conventional loudspeaker mechanism. The hole shown inFIG. 2 is rectangular with rounded corners, however the shape of thehole can be any suitable shape for receiving the display assembly andsuspension.

The cover 101 can be constructed from any suitable material and can befurther permitted to have further ports or holes in other faces forenabling additional input and outputs such as for example ports orbuttons. For example with respect to FIG. 2 an example speaker apparatusis shown wherein the unibody case 101 or cover further comprises amicrophone hole 105 or port configured to enable acoustic wavetransmission into the speaker apparatus to a microphone (not shown)located within the speaker internal volume. Furthermore as shown in FIG.2 the example speaker apparatus is shown with the unibody case 101comprising a USB (or derivative mini-USB, micro-USB etc) opening or port107 enabling a USB plug to be inserted to an internally located USBsocket or vice versa.

Furthermore with respect to FIG. 3 the example speaker apparatus isshown from the opposite side compared to FIG. 2 wherein the unibody case101 or cover further comprises along the long side shown a camera keyport 109 (for allowing a camera operation key to pass through andoperate), a power key port 111 (for allowing a power on/off and otheroperational mode switching operation inputs), a volume key port 113 (forallowing a volume operation key to pass through and operate).Furthermore along the short side there is shown a breathing hole or port115 configured to enable the acoustic cavity to breathe and thus toprevent undue dampening of the display movement as described herein, aAV jack hole or port 117 configured to enable the user to insert asuitable AV plug into a AV socket (not shown) located within theapparatus, and a SIM door or port 119 to enable a SIM module to beinserted into the apparatus and interface with the apparatus.

Furthermore with respect to FIG. 4 the example speaker apparatus isshown from the rear of the apparatus when compared to FIG. 3 and as suchthe display and gasket are not visible. However as shown in FIG. 4 theunibody case 101 or cover further comprises along the short side thebreathing hole or port 115, AV jack hole or port 117, and SIM door orport 119 shown in FIG. 3 and also on the rear face is shown a maincamera port 121 within which can be located the lens or cover for thecamera module located within the apparatus, a flash lens port 123 withinwhich can be located the flash lens, and a second microphone hole orport 125 which is configured to enable acoustic wave transmission intothe speaker apparatus to a second microphone (not shown) located withinthe speaker internal volume.

Unibody construction is particularly useful in constructing good qualityapparatus as the cover can have fewer holes and leaks and therefore alower probability of dust or foreign particle penetration. Furthermore,unibody cover or case acoustical properties are generally easier totune. Furthermore a unibody construction is also easier for productassembly and manufacturing as the complexity is reduced.

The apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 further can comprise a displayassembly 12 (or display means or display stack). The display assembly 12as described herein can be any suitable display technology. The displayassembly can in some embodiments comprise a display and cover window orin some embodiments the cover window only operating over a staticdisplay component.

The display 12 may comprise any suitable display technology. For examplethe display element can be located below the touch input module andproject an image through the touch input module to be viewed by theuser. The display 12 can employ any suitable display technology such asliquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diodes (LED), organic lightemitting diodes (OLED), flexible OLED (FOLED) plasma display cells,Field emission display (FED), surface-conduction electron-emitterdisplays (SED), and Electophoretic displays (also known as electronicpaper, e-paper or electronic ink displays). In some embodiments thedisplay 12 employs one of the display technologies projected using alight guide to the display window. In some embodiments the display is a2-D display. In other embodiments the display may be a 2.25-D, 2.5-D or3-D display (discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 26).

In some embodiments, the display assembly 12 comprises a touch inputmodule or means for receiving or determining a touch input. In someembodiments such as described herein the touch input module and display12 are parts of the same component and can be referred to as the displaypart or touch display part.

The touch input module can in some embodiments implement any suitabletouch screen interface technology. For example in some embodiments thetouch screen interface can comprise a capacitive sensor configured to besensitive to the presence of a finger above or on the touch screeninterface. The capacitive sensor can comprise an insulator (for exampleglass or plastic), coated with a transparent conductor (for exampleindium tin oxide—ITO). As the human body is also a conductor, touchingthe surface of the screen results in a distortion of the localelectrostatic field, measurable as a change in capacitance. Any suitabletechnology may be used to determine the location of the touch. Thelocation can be passed to the processor which may calculate how theuser's touch relates to the device. The insulator protects theconductive layer from dirt, dust or residue from the finger.

In some other embodiments the touch input module can be a resistivesensor comprising of several layers of which two are thin, metallic,electrically conductive layers separated by a narrow gap. When anobject, such as a finger, presses down on a point on the panel's outersurface the two metallic layers become connected at that point: Thepanel then behaves as a pair of voltage dividers with connected outputs.This physical change therefore causes a change in the electrical currentwhich is registered as a touch event and sent to the processor forprocessing.

In some other embodiments the touch input module can further determine atouch using technologies such as visual detection for example a cameraeither located below the surface or over the surface detecting theposition of the finger or touching object, projected capacitancedetection, infra-red detection, surface acoustic wave detection,dispersive signal technology, and acoustic pulse recognition. In someembodiments it would be understood that ‘touch’ can be defined by bothphysical contact and ‘hover touch’ where there is no physical contactwith the sensor but the object located in close proximity with thesensor has an effect on the sensor.

Furthermore the apparatus comprises a gasket 103, or suspensioncomponent. The gasket 103 is in some embodiments a flexible materialpermitting the movement of the display relative to the case. This may bemovement of the display module itself and/or movement of a displaywindow. In the embodiments described herein the suspension component isconfigured to suspend the display 12 relative to the cover or casing101. Although it would be understood that the cover or casing 101 can insome embodiments be considered to be part of the apparatus ‘body’ fromwhich the display and/or display window is suspended. The suspensioncomponent can in some embodiments be a bellows or pleated materialsuspension. The bellows suspension 103 is shown in FIG. 1 surroundingthe periphery of the display assembly 12. It would be understood that insome embodiments the unibody like structure can comprise a side band anda back cover, wherein the combination of side band and the back covercan perform in a manner similar to a single unibody.

A ‘floating’ display gasket or suspension proposal is where a flexiblemembrane is located at least partially around the periphery of thedisplay assembly and partially around (typically underneath) the coveror casing edge. The elasticity of the membrane as it stretches (andrelaxes) forms a flexible interface between the display assembly and thecover.

The gasket 103 (which can be a bellows or any other type of suspensiongasket) as described herein can be configured such that the fabricationof the apparatus within which the display assembly is to be fixed can beeasily achieved even within a unibody type cover (a cover whichsubstantially is a single piece of material rather than being formedfrom various sub-cover assemblies). A gasket further assists the formingof a well sealed construction between the front window (or glass) andthe cover (body or casing) of the apparatus. The gasket thus can beconsidered to control the movement of the display when the vibrationelement is driven. In other words the gasket provides a controlledmovement to the display.

A further advantage of the gasket arrangement as described herein isthat it permits a narrower display dead band (the area surrounding thedisplay which is not capable of displaying images). This permits speakerdesigns where the display area is to be close to the maximum surfaceface area, in other words the display is close to the apparatus edge.

With respect to FIG. 5 is shown a detailed cross-sectional view of theapparatus according to some embodiments. Furthermore with respect toFIG. 6 a detail of the FIG. 5 with respect to the case 101, gasket 103and display interface is shown. The cross sectional view shows theunibody case or cover 101 having a lower or rear rounded corner with alarger radius of curvature and an upper or front rounded corner with asharper or smaller radius of curvature. The unibody case or cover 101front rounded corner then defines an upper or front lip region. Theupper or front lip region can be seen as being the material whichdefines the unibody hole. In some embodiments the material used for theflexible bellow may be thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), however it will beunderstood that any other suitable material may be used. The flexiblebellow may have a hardness in the region of shore A 60. In someembodiments the more flexible the bellow is, the better the performance.The material selected for the bellow may differ between embodiments, andis suitably selected based on the acoustic performance. The materialselected may also be based upon other surrounding or interfacingcomponents, such as the display, chassis, case, and/or internal volumeof the apparatus. In alternative embodiments the material may also beselected based upon visual appearance. The flexible material may becoated, that is the flexible material may comprise a further outerlayer.

It would be understood that the apparatus can comprise internalcomponents which can be located within an internal volume substantiallydefined by interior edges of the unibody case or cover 101, the displayassembly 12 and the gasket 103. These are shown in the examples and arediscussed briefly.

The internal components within the cover 101, the display assembly 12and the gasket 103 can for example comprise components such as a battery215, a printed wiring board 213 (or in some embodiments a printedcircuit board) with components located on at least one of the sides ofthe printed wiring board.

The printed wiring board 213 and battery 215 can furthermore beconfigured to be located within the cover by an internal chassis 211.The internal chassis 211, which in some embodiments is constructed frommetal such as aluminium, can generate a rigid structure which locatesthe internal components of the apparatus and prevents the casing orcover 101 from flexing significantly. In some embodiments the cover 101comprises mouldings or structures which can be configured to operate asthe chassis 211. In other words the unibody casing or cover 101 can beconfigured with mouldings or structures which divide or sub-divide theinternal volume of the apparatus.

In some embodiments the cover 101 and the internal chassis 211 can bedesigned to locate at least a first support part (or shot) of the gasketoperating as a suspension part.

The gasket 103 can thus in some embodiments comprise a first supportlocated between the outside of the chassis member 211 and the inside ofthe unibody cover 101. In such embodiments the first support part 203can be shaped such that it has a lip or tab which fits or matches theprofile of the cover lip section such that when the suspension isinserted into the unibody hole the suspension is fixed vertically andthus cannot move freely in the up-down (z-dimension) direction, wherethe chassis and cover fix the suspension horizontally and thus preventthe first support part 203 from moving in the side-to-side directions (xand y-dimensions).

The gasket 103 can further comprise a flexible folded surface part. Theflexible folded surface part is configured to couple at one end thefirst support part 203 and couple at the other end the second supportpart 201 and be able to suspend the display by the bending forces withinthe flexible folding surface.

The gasket suspension as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is located at one end tothe first support part 203 thus locating one end of the folded surfacepart relative to the cover/chassis. In other words a first arm of thegasket is located relative to the static components of the apparatus.

The flexible folded surface part (bellows section) comprises at leastone fold or pleat. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the foldedsurface part comprises a first approximately 180 degree curved foldforming an n-fold (inverted u-fold) and a second 90 degree foldconverting the vertical surface to a horizontal surface.

It would be understood that the number, direction and angle of the foldswithin the folded surface region can differ from embodiment toembodiment.

The gasket further comprises a second support part 201 which isconfigured to be coupled to the flexible surface part and to the displayassembly (in other words the dynamic or moving portion of thesuspension). The second support part 201 in some embodiments is formedfrom plastic and in some embodiments the same type of material as thefirst support part 203.

The second support part 201 in other words can in some embodiments forma frame which is coupled to the display assembly. For example as shownin FIGS. 5 and 6 the second support part 201 forms a frame over whichthe display stack is located.

The second support part as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 further shows thesecond support part 201 as part of a display frame 1301 and sheetdisplay support 1303. Furthermore in some embodiments the use of thesheet display support 1303 prevents the display from separating from theapparatus cover completely.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the display is supported andcoupled to the suspension by the second support part 201 as part of adisplay frame 1301 within which the display assembly is located. Forexample as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the display frame or second supportpart is an insert moulded plastic which can be glued along a top surfaceto the front window of the display 12, glued to an outer surface to thebellows gasket part 103 and glued to an under surface to a sheet orsupport sheet. In such embodiments the sheet or support sheet 1303 is ashaped (for example stamped or bent sheet of metal) sheet underneath thedisplay and touch stack. In other words the display assembly can be insome embodiments protected from underneath (or supported fromunderneath) by the support sheet 1303.

In some embodiments the gasket can be also designed as a single part.Thus in such embodiments the gasket single part is suitably shaped anddesigned to locate the display relative to the casing and provide thesuspension and therefore control of the motion of the display relativeto the casing.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the gasket 103 comprises a shapedor bent profiled soft material such as urethane or silicone. The gasket103 can in some embodiments, and as described herein, be formed with avariable profile. For example the bent or suspension part coupling thedisplay side and body side parts of the suspension can be configured tohave a substantially consistent profile or thickness providing when bentan expected degree of flexibility and resilience. Furthermore the bodyside part of the suspension can be configured with a variable profile orthickness configured to enable the gasket to locate and fix thesuspension underneath the cover 101 and particularly underneath thecover lip. Furthermore in some embodiments the body side part of thegasket can be configured with a profile lip configured to fit betweenthe chassis 211 and the printed wiring board 213 and lock the suspensionto the chassis 211.

In some embodiments the chassis 211, which in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 is an aluminium chassis 211, can be configured with aco-operating lip profiled to lock the gasket between the chassis and theprinted wiring board 213.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chassis can be profiled tocreate an air gap 1311 between the rear of the sheet metal 1303underneath the display and the chassis 211 enabling the display to movewithin a defined region. The presence of the air gap between the movingdisplay and the chassis 211 may prevent rattling and/or otherundesirable noise.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the printed wiring board 213 furthermore canbe located relative to the cover 101 by the chassis 211 and a batteryframe 1107 which further locates a battery 215.

With respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 the apparatus comprises a vibrating meanssuch as a piezo component 1401 (which may be a piezo actuator) coupledto the chassis 211 at either end of the piezo component 1401 and coupledat the central region of the piezo component 1401 to a transfer part1403 configured to transfer the force of the bending of the piezocomponent to the display (and/or display window). In the example shownin FIGS. 5 and 6 the transfer part 1403 is coupled to a ‘cup-shape’section of the sheet metal 1303 behind the display such that the usercomponent transfers force via the transfer part 1403 to the display viathe sheet metal 1303.

Furthermore in some embodiments the chassis 211 comprises a locking part(not shown) which has a defined profile configured to lock to acooperating gasket part. In some embodiments the gasket can be locatedon one side between the printed wiring board and the chassis 211 andlocated on the other side by the cooperating profile parts or lockingparts of the chassis locking part and the gasket locking part.

With respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 is further shown the piezo transducer oractuator 1401 located to the chassis via a FPC (flexible printedcircuit) or FR4 layer 1353 for electrical connection and a metal shimplate 1351 for mechanical connection. Furthermore the piezo transducer1401 is lifted from the PWB and battery by at least one piezo fixingscrew 500, which in some embodiments is adjustable.

The piezo actuator 1401 can be driven with a mono signal, or in analternative embodiment two or more actuators can be driven with two ormore signals, for example a stereo signal.

In some embodiments a dynamic lock is implemented producing a mechanicalstop of the display. In some embodiments the sheet metal or sheet 1303is configured with a stamped and bent part which forms a display stop.The display stop can be shaped such that the chassis 211 passes throughthe hole between the sheet and display stop so that the motion of thedisplay is limited by the display stop in an upper direction by thechassis stop and in a lower direction by the printed wiring board.

The display assembly 12 in some embodiments comprises a window (ordisplay window or glass) which can be a glass or other suitabletoughened layer for physically protecting the display 207. The displayassembly can further in some embodiments comprise a display 207. Thesuspension of the window and display 207 by the folded surface part 103of the gasket is such that at rest (in other words with no additionalforce applied) there is an air gap between the window assembly and thestatic portion of the apparatus such as shown by the chassis 211.

With respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 a further example of the gasket inoperation is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 7 the display issupported and coupled to the suspension by a display frame 1301 withinwhich the display assembly is located. For example as shown in FIG. 15the display frame is an insert moulded plastic which can be glued alonga top surface to the front window 203, glued to an outer surface to thegasket 1305 and glued to an under surface to a sheet or support sheet.In such embodiments the sheet or support sheet 1303 is a shaped (forexample stamped or bent sheet of metal) sheet underneath the display andtouch stack 207. In other words the display assembly can be in someembodiments protected from underneath (or supported from underneath) bythe support sheet 1303.

In the example shown in FIG. 7 the gasket 1305 or bellows suspensioncomprises a shaped or bent profiled soft material such as urethane orsilicone. The gasket 1305 can in some embodiments, and as describedherein, be formed with a variable profile. For example the bent orsuspension part coupling the display side and body side parts of thesuspension can be configured to have a substantially consistent profileor thickness providing when bent an expected degree of flexibility andresilience. Furthermore the body side part of the suspension can beconfigured with a variable profile or thickness configured to enable thebellows suspension to locate and fix the suspension underneath the cover101 and particularly underneath the cover lip. Furthermore in someembodiments the body side part of the suspension can be configured witha profile lip 1307 configured to fit between the chassis 211 and theprinted wiring board 213 and lock the suspension to the chassis 211.

In some embodiments the chassis 211, which in the embodiments shown inFIG. 7 is an aluminium chassis 211, can be configured with aco-operating lip profiled to lock the bellows suspension lip 1307between the chassis and the printed wiring board 213.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the chassis can be profiled to createan air gap 1311 between the rear of the sheet metal 1303 underneath thedisplay and the chassis 211 enabling the display to move within adefined region.

In some embodiments there can be an acoustic cavity located underneathof the display, which can be a controlled acoustic cavity. Such anacoustic cavity is substantially sealed and within the acoustic cavityis located other parts or electronic components associated with theoperations of the electronic device/apparatus. In some embodimentssealed cavity can be ported out to break stiffness or other acousticarrangements (in a manner similar to a bass reflex port).

As shown in FIG. 7 the printed wiring board 213 furthermore can belocated relative to the cover 101 by the chassis 211 and a battery frame1107 which further locates the battery 215.

With respect to FIG. 8 a further view of the gasket configuration asshown in FIG. 7 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 8 thecross-sectional view shows the location of the piezo component 1401coupled to the chassis 211 at either end of the piezo component 1401 andcoupled at the central region of the piezo component 1401 to a transferpart 1403 configured to transfer the force of the bending of the piezocomponent to the display. In the example shown in FIG. 8 the transferpart 1403 is coupled to a ‘cup-shape’ section of the sheet metal 1303behind the display such that the user component transfers force via thetransfer part 1403 to the display via the sheet metal 1303.

Furthermore as shown in FIG. 8 in some embodiments the chassis 211comprises a locking part 211 a which has a defined profile configured tolock to a cooperating bellows locking part 1305 a of the bellowssuspension 1305. In some embodiments the bellows suspension can belocated on one side between the printed wiring board and the chassis 211and located on the other side by the cooperating profile parts orlocking parts of the chassis locking part 211 a and the bellows lockingpart 1305 a.

With respect to FIG. 9 is shown an exploded view of an example of theapparatus comprising the display assembly 12 or module 12, the displayframe with gasket 103, the chassis 211, the piezo assemblies 1401, afront camera 803 configured to be glued to the display frame, the enginePWB 213, the battery frame 1107, cellular antennas 801, WLAN, GPS and BTantenna 805, and unibody assembly 101.

With respect to FIG. 10 is shown an isometric view of the display framewith gasket as shown in FIG. 9. The display frame with gasket as shownin FIG. 10 comprises the display frame sheet metal 1303 which issurrounded by the hard plastic gasket part 201. In the example shown inFIG. 10 the display sheet metal 1303 comprises the display stop shown bythe hooks bended downwards 901. As described herein the display stop inthe form of the hooks 901 can be shaped such that the chassis 211 passesthrough the hole between the sheet and display stop so that the motionof the display is limited by the display stop in an upper direction bythe chassis stop and in a lower direction by the printed wiring board.This can be seen for example with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12 where thedisplay hooks 901 in the display frame sheet metal 1303 can be seen tolimit the motion of the display frame sheet metal 1303 with respect tothe upper direction by the chassis stop 211 and in a lower direction bythe printed wiring board 213. Furthermore with respect to FIGS. 15 and16 the underside of the chassis 211 is shown showing the hooks 901 overthe chassis stops. The display hooks 901 may, for example, prevent thedisplay from falling out of the device in case of a heavy impact, suchas when the device is dropped on the floor.

The hard plastic gasket part 201 is itself surrounded by the soft bellowgasket 103 which in some embodiments comprises TPE with a shore A scoreof 60. In some embodiments the soft bellow gasket 103 part is located tothe internal hard plastic gasket part 201 by the use of interlockingfeatures 903, however as discussed herein any suitable fixing, such asglue can be used in some embodiments.

With respect to FIGS. 13 to 14 is further shown embodiments of theexample apparatus with respect to the location of the display framesheet metal and the gasket 103 with respect to the chassis and the case.

With respect to FIG. 13 the display and gasket are shown with a snap fit1201 configuration which locates the gasket and frame with respect tothe chassis. The chassis is then located with respect to the unibodycase by the implementation of tabs.

Furthermore as shown in FIG. 13 the chassis is located with respect tothe engine PWB 213. The PWB 213 can be which is then located within theunibody casing 101 by the battery frame 1107 which is shown glued to theinterior of the unibody 101. Furthermore in some embodiments the batteryis located to the inside of the unibody 101 by using a battery foamgasket 1203 to compensate for battery swelling, or rattling.

With respect to FIG. 14 the unibody snap fit elements are shown whereinthe unibody is configured with a series of guiding ramps 1201 againstwhich the snap fit elements of the gasket and chassis are located. Thetabs or profile of the chassis, when the chassis is pushed into theunibody case 101 run against the guiding ramps until the chassis locksinto position.

With respect to FIGS. 17 to 20 are shown a series of cross sectionalviews through the example apparatus.

With respect to FIG. 17 an example cross sectional view of the exampleapparatus is shown where the cross section is through the AV jack hole117 or port and breathing hole 115 or port. In the example shown hereinthe apparatus is configured to use the breathing hole or port to enableair to enter and exit the internal volume substantially defined by theunibody, display, gasket and internally by the internal components ofthe apparatus. The breathing hole thus prevents a pressure build up orpartial vacuum to form as the display moves and changes the internalvolume of the apparatus, or in other words attempts to maintain arelatively constant air pressure within the volume despite the change involume caused by the motion of the display relative to the case. Thebreathing hole 115 thus enables a better frequency response for thelower frequencies. The breathing hole may provide a Helmholtz resonanceeffect. The breathing hole 115 may provide improved frequency responseat lower frequencies. In some embodiments the other ports can also beconfigured to operate as breathing holes. For example as shown hereinthe AV jack hole 117 can also be used.

With respect to FIG. 18 an example cross sectional view of the exampleapparatus is shown where the cross section is through the centre of theY axis. In this figure can be seen the piezo actuators 1401 with a foam1403 gasket coupled to the display frame and configured to provide aforce to the frame to actuate the display relative to the case 101.

Furthermore with respect to FIG. 18 is shown the apparatus USB opening107 and the USB connector 2003. The USB opening can in some embodimentsbe further configured to enable the apparatus to ‘breathe’. FurthermoreFIG. 18 shows the apparatus main camera opening 121 and the main cameraassembly 2001.

The breathing hole diameter and/or size and/or the length of thebreathing hole may be used to tune or modify the frequency response ofthe speaker. Also the location of the breathing hole may have aninfluence on the frequency response curve of the panel speaker, inaccordance with the Helmholtz resonance effect. In some cases the airunder the display in combination with the speaker design is such thatthe movement of the panel speaker is damped, and/or at some frequencythe breathing hole can be designed so as to create a resonance of theair flowing in and out of the device. It will of course be appreciatedthat any number of breathing holes may be provided.

In some embodiments a membrane or other type of barrier can be addedinto the flow channel of the breathing hole. This may protect the devicefrom dust and moisture ingress. For example the membrane may be aGoretex® membrane or any other type of acoustical mesh.

With respect to FIG. 19 an example cross sectional view of the exampleapparatus is shown where the cross section is through a snap fitfeature. In this figure can be seen the snap fit features 1201, thefront camera 803 glued to the moving display and an electricalconnection to the front camera (FPC front camera 2101).

In further embodiments an ambient light sensor (ALS) and/or proximitysensor may also be mounted on to the moving display. The FPC thatconnects the front camera may also connect the ALS and proximity sensorwith the PWB.

With respect to FIG. 20 an example cross sectional view of the exampleapparatus is shown where the cross section is through the SIM assemblyshowing the fixing screw. In this figure can be seen the cellularantenna radiator glued to the unibody, and at the opposite end of theapparatus is the SIM assembly with SIM door 2201.

In the example shown in FIG. 20 the internal components comprising thegasket, display, transducers, apparatus chassis and battery are insertedinto the body or unibody such that the internal components as anapparatus engine are pushed towards an end of the cover. The end of thecover can, as shown, contain the antenna. The force applied compressesor squeezes the folded surface narrowing itself sufficiently that thetop end can be inserted under the lip of the top end of the unibodycover.

The display assembly can in such embodiments be then inserted into theunibody hole by tilting the apparatus engine such that the suspensionfirst support part clips under the cover. The insertion of the apparatusengine into the cover hole then releases the force compressing the newlyinserted end suspension causing the first inserted end suspension torelax and regain the suspension ‘resting’ dimension.

Furthermore in some embodiments the ‘newly or second inserted end’ ofthe apparatus engine module can be configured to receive a screw to pullthe apparatus engine module into a centralised position enabling thefloating display effect to be realised. The fixing screw 2203 is shownhidden by the SIM door 2201 in some embodiments.

Although as shown the engine module or display assembly can be locatedwith respect to a fixing member such as a screw co-operating with a holein the suspension it would be understood that in some embodiments thedisplay can be located by use of any suitable locating means, forexample a flange or clip which can be configured to co-operated with theapparatus body.

It would be understood that in the examples discussed herein that acoupling or items coupled can be understood to be connected, attached,or fixed.

With respect to FIGS. 21 and 22 are shown graphs showing the amplituderesponse and load verses extension graphs of various Shore A materialsfor the gasket. In the examples shown a gasket (“green”) with Shore Avalue between 40 to 50 produces more output and has a flatter frequencyresponse between 1000 Hz to 5000 Hz when compared to a gasket (“black”)with a Shore A value of 60. Furthermore the haptic response is better.

This is shown with respect to FIG. 22 where the slope of the measuredresponse was determined for each curve, each curve relating to adifferent Shore rating. Thus it will be appreciated that more output anda flatter response may be achieved with a softer bellow/gasket. Astiffer bellow could result in reduced performance. A relatively stiffbellow/gasket may be a result of the material thickness being outsidethe required specification due to poor moulding, for example.

Some alternative embodiments will now be described. FIG. 23 shows adevice 2310 comprising a display 2312. This display is a 3-D display.The device 2310 comprises a device body 2302, and a bellow/gasket 2303interfacing the display 2312 with the device body 2302.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-section in the y direction of FIG. 23 (using thesame co-ordinate system as described with respect to FIG. 1). Thisfigure shows the 3-D display 2312. The display 2312 comprises a flexibleOLED element 2390. A display adapter or damper is shown at 2392,separating a display carrier 2394 from piezo actuator 2301. The flexiblebellow is shown at 2303. It can be seen from this figure how the bellow2303 interfaces the display 2312 and the device body 2302. The chassisis shown at 2311, the battery is shown at 2315, and PWB is shown at2313. A chassis fixing rod is shown at 2396.

FIG. 25 shows a slight variation on the embodiment of FIG. 24. In theembodiment of FIG. 25, the display carrier 2394 of FIG. 24 is omitted.The display carrier can be omitted for example if the flexible OLED cantolerate some forces to be applied against the rear side of the display.This may result in a lighter construction. The piezo actuator 2301 mayalso have less mass to move. Accordingly the device can be thinner, andthe sensitivity of the speaker may be higher. In FIG. 25, the displayadapter 2392′ is larger than the display adapter 2392 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 shows different types of glass (or any other type of suitablematerial) that may be used for various types of display. A 2-D flatmaterial is shown at 2650.2.25-D material type is shown at 2652. It willbe appreciated that the top side of the material has some shape orprofile at the edges, but that the centre of the material is flat. Inthis embodiment the underside is totally flat. A 2.5-D material type isshown at 2654. The underside is flat but the whole of the topside hascurvature. A 3-D material type capable of displaying 3-D images is shownat 2656. Neither the underside or the topside are totally flat. Thecurvature can be in the y direction only, or in the x direction only, orcurvature can be in both the x and y directions.

FIGS. 27 to 29 show spring clips 2780 for connecting the PWB 2713 withthe piezo FPC 2701. In this particular embodiment, two spring clips 2780are used, however it will be appreciated that any number of spring clipscan be used. The piezo FPC 2701 accommodates the piezo actuator and mayalso provide electrical connectivity to the PWB. This type of electricalconnection provided by the piezo FPC is simple to assemble, and isrobust. It may also be advantageous from a tolerance point of view. Inexample embodiments the contact point of the spring clips may beprovided in the non-moving area of the FPC, meaning it will not harm theperformance of the piezo actuators.

As shown schematically in FIG. 30, in some embodiments the apparatuscomprises a processor 15. The processor 15 can be linked to the display12. The apparatus in some embodiments comprises a transceiver (or areceiver or a transmitter) such as for example a cellular, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth or other suitable radio frequency transceiver. In suchembodiments the processor is further linked to the transceiver (TX/RX)13 and to a memory 16.

The processor 15 can in some embodiments be configured to executevarious program codes. The implemented program codes, in someembodiments can comprise such routines as touch processing, inputsimulation, or tactile effect simulation code where the touch inputmodule inputs are detected and processed, effect feedback signalgeneration where electrical signals are generated which when passed to atransducer can generate tactile or haptic feedback to the user of theapparatus, or actuator processing configured to generate an actuatorsignal for driving an actuator. The implemented program codes can insome embodiments be stored for example in the memory 16 and specificallywithin a program code section 17 of the memory 16 for retrieval by theprocessor 15 whenever needed. The memory 16 in some embodiments canfurther provide a section 18 for storing data, for example data that hasbeen processed in accordance with the application, for examplepseudo-audio signal data.

The apparatus 10 can in some embodiments be capable of implementingprocessing techniques at least partially in hardware, in other words theprocessing carried out by the processor 15 may be implemented at leastpartially in hardware without the need of software or firmware tooperate the hardware.

The transceiver 13 in some embodiments enables communication with otherelectronic devices, for example in some embodiments via a wirelesscommunication network.

It shall be appreciated that the term user equipment is intended tocover any suitable type of wireless user equipment, such as mobiletelephones, portable data processing devices or portable web browsers.Furthermore, it will be understood that the term acoustic sound channelsis intended to cover sound outlets, channels and cavities, and that suchsound channels may be formed integrally with the transducer, or as partof the mechanical integration of the transducer with the device.

In general, the design of various embodiments of the invention may beimplemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic orany combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented inhardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or softwarewhich may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computingdevice, although the invention is not limited thereto. While variousaspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as blockdiagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, itis well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques ormethods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limitingexamples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits orlogic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computingdevices, or some combination thereof.

The design of embodiments of this invention may be implemented bycomputer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device,such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination ofsoftware and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted thatany blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent programsteps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or acombination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions.The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, ormemory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such ashard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD andthe data variants thereof, CD.

The memory used in the design of embodiments of the application may beof any type suitable to the local technical environment and may beimplemented using any suitable data storage technology, such assemiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems,optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technicalenvironment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers,special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors(DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate levelcircuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, asnon-limiting examples.

Embodiments of the inventions may be designed by various components suchas integrated circuit modules.

As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to all of thefollowing:

-   -   (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as        implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and    -   (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware),        such as: (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to        portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal        processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to        cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform        various functions and    -   (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a        microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for        operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically        present.

This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in thisapplication, including any claims. As a further example, as used in thisapplication, the term ‘circuitry’ would also cover an implementation ofmerely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processorand its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term‘circuitry’ would also cover, for example and if applicable to theparticular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applicationsprocessor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or similar integratedcircuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary andnon-limiting examples a full and informative description of theexemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modificationsand adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevantarts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such andsimilar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fallwithin the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A speaker comprising: a case; a displayassembly; a chassis connected to a display support via a flexiblegasket, the chassis being located to form an air gap between the chassisand the display support; the flexible gasket sealing a space between thecase and the display assembly and the display support, and allowing thedisplay assembly and the display support to move with respect to thecase; at least one vibrating element configured to actuate the displayassembly to move the display assembly relative to the case to generateacoustic waves; a transceiver located within an internal volume of thespeaker; and at least one hole in the case permitting equalization ofthe internal and external pressure of the speaker.
 2. The speaker asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one vibrating element comprisesat least one piezo actuator.
 3. The speaker according to claim 1,wherein the flexible gasket comprises a suspension part coupled at oneend to the case and at another end to the display assembly, wherein thesuspension part is configured to suspend the display assembly relativeto the case by the bending force of the suspension part.
 4. The speakeras claimed in claim 3, wherein the suspension part is a resilient foldedsurface, configured to suspend the display assembly relative to the caseby the bending force of the resilient folded surface.
 5. The speakeraccording to claim 3, wherein the flexible gasket comprises at least oneof: a first support part configured to lock the flexible gasket positionwithin the speaker so as to provide a fixed suspension in the directionof movement of the display assembly; and a second support partconfigured to form a part of the display support.
 6. The speakeraccording to claim 1, wherein actuating the display assembly comprisesmotion of at least one of: a display element; and a display window. 7.The speaker as claimed in claim 6, wherein the display support isconfigured to allow motion of the display assembly in at least onedirection and configured to mechanically limit the motion of the displayassembly in the at least one direction.
 8. The speaker according toclaim 1, further comprising at least one further internal component,wherein the at least one further internal component comprises at leastone of: at least one camera; at least one microphone; at least one datasocket; at least one power socket; a printed wiring board; a printedcircuit board; a SIM assembly; an input key or button; a camera flash; abattery; and a battery frame.
 9. The speaker as claimed in claim 1,wherein the at least one hole comprises at least one of: a breathinghole; a AV jack hole; a USB hole; a power port configured to receive apower plug; and a data port configured to receive a data plug.
 10. Thespeaker according to claim 1, wherein the speaker internal volume is atleast one of: divided by at least one internal component to provide atuned frequency response for the speaker; and formed at least based oninternal surfaces of the case, the display assembly and the flexiblegasket.
 11. The speaker according to claim 1, wherein the at least onevibrating element is configured to move the display assembly relative tothe case to generate a haptic feedback.
 12. The speaker according toclaim 1, wherein the transceiver is at least one of: a radio frequencytransmitter; a radio frequency receiver; and a cellular engine.
 13. Thespeaker according to claim 1, wherein the display assembly comprises atleast one of: a display component; and a display window.
 14. The speakeraccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one vibrating element isconfigured to actuate the display assembly by at least one of: a directcoupling between the vibrating element and the display assembly; and anindirect coupling between the vibrating element and the displayassembly.
 15. The speaker according to claim 1, wherein the flexiblegasket is configured to at least one of: provide a functionality ofsuspension similar to a surround of a conventional loudspeaker;substantially surrounds the periphery of the display assembly; andprovide a tuned performance for at least one of: an acoustic output anda haptic feedback response.
 16. The speaker as claimed in claim 15,wherein the tuned performance is based on at least one of: a shape ofthe flexible gasket; a material of the flexible gasket; and dimensionsof the flexible gasket.
 17. The speaker according to claim 1, whereinthe case comprises at least one of: a unibody case; and a multiple partcase.
 18. The speaker according to claim 1, configured such that thevibrating element transfers vibrations to the chassis at edge portionsof the vibration element, and transfers vibrations to the displaysupport at the center portions of the vibration element.